2003 Ford Crown Victoria Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 8%of 249 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, 8% of the 249 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. I am having issues with the electrical system. I only have 2 speeds on my wipers. Either the second intermittent, or full speed. While on full speed, if I turn on the left turn signal, the wipers stop. A while back, my horn would just honk on its own. The worst, which made me take out the fuse, was at 3:30am one night the horn just wouldn't stop. I was asleep in the house. The windows work, sometimes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10904569, filed 2016-09, 215,000 miles“I bought my Ford crown vic 3 years ago paid 6000 dollars, within two weeks the windshield wipers stopped working, then the transmission went out cost me 2500, then horn would go off and would not turn off till I pulled the positive battery cable off. Two weeks later the blinkers stopped working, then the lighting control module started making a loud beeping sound, then my headlights and tail lights stopped working. I revived a recall letter from Ford and it says take my car to Ford dealership and they would fix it free of charge. …”
NHTSA complaint #10824617, filed 2016-02, 74,000 miles“I have a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor that has faulty lcm that causes the headlights to turn off (short out) while driving. This has happened at least 40 times since I bought this automobile in february 2012 and has caused me to pullover in dark dangerous situations. I researched the problem on the internet and the solution pointed to a faulty lcm. I had to bang on the lcm each time to get the lights to turn back on. These lcms have never been recalled even though the problem and solution is all over the internet. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460385, filed 2012-06, 125,649 miles“On july 10 my wife and grand son were returning to our florida home from an amusement park about an hours ride when the head lights went out on my 03 Ford crown vic. She was able to pull over and after 30 minutes trying different ideas the light did come on and she was able to drive home fortunately with the lights staying on, it was a nerve racking experience for them. Since then it has done it on several occasions during the day as I run with my lights on during daylight hours. …”
NHTSA complaint #10280259, filed 2009-08, 74,000 miles“Heating and defrost failed. Ford service co wanted a $1000 to look at it. I didn't have them look at it. Now, I only drive it in the summer months. This vehicle has an original 70,000 miles on it and now the headlights only work intermittently. In 2010 I had to have the gas tank replaced. I have read several reports on 2003 crown vic with the same problems. I live in the south, lots of rain and humidity. Defrost is a must as well as headlights. I do not understand why Ford is giving the option to as to whether or not they will fix their defects or pass them on to the consumer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10536283, filed 2013-08, 67,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V206000May 9, 2005On certain police interceptors (cvpi) and commercial heavy duty (taxi) vehicles, at extremely high operating temperatures, the sound insulating panel, located…Covers: Ford Crown Victoria 2003–2005, Cvpi 2003–2005
Related service bulletins
- 10074793Jun 1, 2015Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10013321Jan 1, 2005Am/fm and cellular phone reception interference - service tip.
- 10013386Nov 1, 2004Charging system - high output generator now available for servicing 2003 police interceptor vehicles.
- 10013381Nov 1, 2004Malfunction indicator lampand p0460 dtc in memory.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10011160Aug 9, 2004Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0442.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 8% |
| 2009 | 5 | 11% |
| 2008 | 5 | 10% |
| 2007 | 5 | 10% |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% |
| 2005 | 21 | 11% |
| 2004 | 23 | 17% |
| 2003 | 20 | 8% |
| 2002 | 9 | 16% |
| 2001 | 4 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 7% |
| 1999 | 10 | 7% |
| 1998 | 8 | 7% |
| 1997 | 14 | 5% |
| 1996 | 12 | 4% |
| 1995 | 16 | 6% |
| 1994 | 11 | 6% |
| 1993 | 22 | 12% |
| 1992 | 52 | 17% |
| 1991 | 10 | 18% |
| 1990 | 10 | 23% |
| 1989 | 24 | 33% |
| 1988 | 18 | 43% |
| 1987 | 14 | 34% |
| 1986 | 14 | 52% |
| 1985 | 10 | 48% |
| 1984 | 5 | 83% |
| 1983 | 3 | 60% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
96 complaintsWheels
42 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology